Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Support Thread - Page 18

mamamoo · 01-19-2008, 07:54 PM

do any of you experience exteme back/hip/pelvis in general pain? especially with exercise?

veryerin · 01-19-2008, 10:00 PM

My hips are quite painful when a walk a lot, jog, or wear dd for too long. Today I wore her and walked for a total of 2 hours or so and my hips are killing me!
Does doing these strenuous things actually make the prolapse worse? I do kegels and am working on ab exercises, but am I sabotaging myself by babywearing and exercising?

mamamoo · 01-20-2008, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veryerin

My hips are quite painful when a walk a lot, jog, or wear dd for too long. Today I wore her and walked for a total of 2 hours or so and my hips are killing me!
Does doing these strenuous things actually make the prolapse worse? I do kegels and am working on ab exercises, but am I sabotaging myself by babywearing and exercising?

I have no idea, that's what I was wondering...I really don't want it to get worse. I walked two days last week, not very strenuous, I babywear almost daily, and then I sat on the floor at a mom's group friday morning and threw my back out bad, lower back and hips are KILLING me. <sigh>

mommyshine · 01-20-2008, 11:36 AM

My PT told me to walk daily - 10 to 15 minutes. I wonder about stairs. I started swimming and after using the kickboard for ten minutes the kegles the next AM hurt into my buttox - I am hopeful that more kick board, butt and leg strengthening will help. (Edit: read some past posts and see that kegels are done wrong sometimes by using the butt muscles - I don't think I am doing that.)

I found that carrying my daughter on the side or my son piggy back feels like it puts less pressure on my pf than lifting/carrying things in front of me.

mommyshine · 01-21-2008, 02:57 PM

I don't know what is going on... Does anyone experience pain in the perineum? A complaint I have had since - forever! And Dr always said things looked normal. I AM on the path to recovery!!! I AM healing!!! But.... I AM sooo angry at the Dr who cut me. How do we get past this? I scooted my son on a chair closer to the counter two days ago and when I did it - I hurt. Then I vacuumed the house and had a mini breakdown screaming to myself under the noise of the vacuum that I can't move the #&(^%@ chairs to freaking vacuum my %$^*$ house! ?!?!?? An episiotomy did this to me - a DR did this to me!?!? Is this missed placed anger - is it all natural failure of my body like I have heard? "You've had two kids" "Some woman have weak pelvic floors" (note: my mother birthed three kids in four years in her late thirties and is FINE - she wasn't cut! Sister had two and is FINE - she wasn't cut! Grandma used to walk home from the grocery sotre carrying bags in each hand - she had home births.) I have $1,000 worth of back packing and camping gear in the attic - I dream of taking the kids ... I cry and cry because I can't move a stupid chair to clean my house. Other crazy thoughts I have - what about celebrities? Do you think Madonna would stand for having her pelvic floor ruined? I know that is a stupid thing to think of. I feel like wearing a T-shirt that says, "An Episiotomy RUINED my LIFE."

Thanks for letting me get it out.

mamamoo · 01-21-2008, 06:20 PM

Mama, I have never had an episiotomy, and am having issues with prolapse. All of my births were relatively easy, no long stages of pushing, no ginormous babies, I feel like my body is failing me too. I am sorry you are going through this. hang in there!!

happy2bamama · 01-21-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mommyshine

I don't know what is going on... Does anyone experience pain in the perineum? A complaint I have had since - forever! And Dr always said things looked normal. I AM on the path to recovery!!! I AM healing!!! But.... I AM sooo angry at the Dr who cut me. How do we get past this? I scooted my son on a chair closer to the counter two days ago and when I did it - I hurt. Then I vacuumed the house and had a mini breakdown screaming to myself under the noise of the vacuum that I can't move the #&(^%@ chairs to freaking vacuum my %$^*$ house! ?!?!?? An episiotomy did this to me - a DR did this to me!?!? Is this missed placed anger - is it all natural failure of my body like I have heard? "You've had two kids" "Some woman have weak pelvic floors" (note: my mother birthed three kids in four years in her late thirties and is FINE - she wasn't cut! Sister had two and is FINE - she wasn't cut! Grandma used to walk home from the grocery sotre carrying bags in each hand - she had home births.) I have $1,000 worth of back packing and camping gear in the attic - I dream of taking the kids ... I cry and cry because I can't move a stupid chair to clean my house. Other crazy thoughts I have - what about celebrities? Do you think Madonna would stand for having her pelvic floor ruined? I know that is a stupid thing to think of. I feel like wearing a T-shirt that says, "An Episiotomy RUINED my LIFE."

Thanks for letting me get it out.

I'm so sorry that you're feeling so upset about it. I don't blame you though. It's kind of amazing to me the lack of post-natal support/info that we have. For example, on a recent Oprah, with Dr. Oz, someone asked a question about incontinence and he talked BRIEFLY about a bladder prolapse and almost mumbled, "A lot of women get this after they give birth." But then they moved on and I know there had to be a lot of women sitting in that audience thinking, "Please, talk more about it!!" Post-partum health and recovery deserves a show unto itself!

Also, I remember on a Late Night with Conan O'Brien a few years back, Tina Fey (SNL) was a guest and she was joking about how after her baby was born she went back to the gym and tried to jump rope to get back into shape and she peed herself. At the time (pre my DS), I thought it was funny and didn't think anything of it, but now I realize that she probably had a bladder prolapse. So, I guess celebrities do deal with these things too.

Anyhoo... something that might help you - I tore during my birth and when my PT was checking my pelvic floor and felt my perineum from the inside, I told her it felt like she was digging her fingernails into it - I even asked her if she trimmed her fingernails recently. She, of course, didn't have long fingernails and wasn't digging into me, so I asked her why I was feeling that and she told me that it was the scar tissue from the tear. She told me that it would feel better if I massaged it using a bit of oil and using one or two fingers. Kind of like how they suggest to massage your perineum BEFORE your birth to try to get it real elasticy. Well, I took her advice and tried it and it stings, but the more massage it gets, the better it feels. It's easiest to do in the bathtub for me. The massage softens the tissue (as well as intercourse). I don't know how far post-partum you are or if this would help you specifically, but I thought I'd pass it along in case it can.

mommyshine · 01-22-2008, 10:42 AM

Thanks for your hugs. My DH does perineal massage (back and forth and circles this way and that) about three times a week for me. I think I am unique on this thread as I do not have typical symptoms of prolapse. I have perineal pain every morning - relieved somewhat by a bowel movement, exacerbated by lifting things. I cannot empty my bladder sometimes and when this goes on for a few days I get "pain" in my bladder - burning or raw feeling - in the bladder - and twice when this happened I thought I had an infection... two Drs tested my urine and no infection. I think it is IC but after a test for that the Dr said no. Could be because I was soooo irritated I googled "bladder pain flare up" and found a site that recommended baking soda... any how - sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have incontinence!? :-(

Last night in the shower (after a swim) I reached behind myself and pressed up on my perineum. It easily presses up and in - and I long for some type of support to hold my " " back up where it belongs. I did what someone recommended and put my fingers in my vagina this AM and I am doing my kegels correctly and they are getting stronger....

I really flip flop - angry hopeful not sure if it is a Drs fault certain that it is.... Hope to start some yoga to help relax and change my way of thinking.

Saw GMA clip about happiness -
50% genetic
10% life circumstances
40% in your own hands! Meditating and thinking thoughts of kindness and compassion 30 minutes a day can change your brain! If I have to (since I have to) live with this condition for the rest of my life - I need that 40% changed...

Thanks again everyone - as we all know it is great to be able to come here and know we are not speaking a foreign language.

mamato3cherubs · 01-23-2008, 12:09 AM

I have happened across this thread and felt I had to post. I have only skimmed it as, well, it is late and i am too tired to read all of it

I think this is a wonderful thread. Wish i would have had it around 2 years ago.

I developed uterine prolapse after the birth of my 3rd baby. 9.5 lb. baby. Natural delivery that I had to fight for, LONG 2nd stage, about 2 hours from crowning to birth. I place much blame on my OBs insistance on me being placed and remaining in the "semi sitting on you back" positon for delivery. I was done fighting by then. but thats another thread (rant LOL)

Long story short, after some long months of researching, and soul searching, I underwent a vaginal hysterectomy, 1 month before my daughter's 3rd birthday, to remove my uterus including cervix. along with a small amount of correction for bladder prolapse as well.

I had some other issues as well that played as much a part in the decision as the prolapse. again, another thread.
I lived in constant Pain. I had no support other than my Gyn, who is an amazing woman.

I know I did what I felt I could to take care of the issues i had before resorting to surgery, and 95% of the time am happy with my choice. BUT it is not what i would suggest anyone do unless they have reached the end of every rope there is.

Just so glad to see this support thread, great resources and love from others going through similar things in there lives. So important

Tanibani · 01-23-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamato3cherubs

I developed uterine prolapse after the birth of my 3rd baby.

Lisa, was there any hint of prolapse (heaviness) with after/during the first 2 pregnancies?

CKM5513 · 01-25-2008, 08:18 AM

Hi gals!

Ok I just wanted to let you all know I found a wonderful product that is helping me heal. I want to share the website with you. They have online support - or over the phone - and it is free. And WOW it feels so good to talk/email with someone who has knowledge and hope. I bought the kegalmaster 2 weeks PP when I found out I had my stage 2 cystocele. I started using it at 4 weeks PP - and have had improvement in 4 weeks! This week I found a website dedicated to answering questions about the product and prolapse. I even purchased my kegalmaster from a different site, and they are still helping me...that is how awesome these people are they don't even care that I didn't purchase it through them! Please visit the site and read. I was told by that if I keep on my kegalmaster program, that it is possible that in 3 months I could "be out of the woods". So I think it is worth giving a try, and at the very least I know I am doing kegals right. I'm going to see a urogynocologist next Thursday to get some more help in the area too. I plan on showing her this product to see what she thinks.

The website is http://www.network54.com/Forum/80980/

Please give it a good read...it made me gain some hope in this area! At the very least it will help with your kegals and improve your sex life! And I'm sure everyone would like that

Nicole R. · 01-25-2008, 03:12 PM

Hi again. I had my second (of eight) appointments with a physical therapist today. After my supine exam she diagnosed my bladder prolapse as 1 and 1/2 (out of 3), rectal as 1/2, and uterine as undetectable. (Wait until next week's standing exam -- then I bet she'll find it, and it will be a 1 and 1/2.)

She believes that level 1 prolapses can be "cured" with exercise and lifestyle changes. Level 2 prolapses can be prevented from growing worse, but have little or no chance of receding completely. (I don't think that applies to women who are immediately postpartum, since so much can improve in those early months.) Anyway, I guess that puts my chances for improvement somewhere in between, but honestly I'd be thrilled with staying right where I am right now -- I just don't want to get worse with another baby and life's inevitable hormonal changes. Wrapping up the exam, my perineum, where I have scars from my second-degree tear and resulting stitches, is too tight, and my pelvic floor strength is a 3 (out of 5).

I finally learned how to do a proper Kegel exercise! I was using too large of a muscle group, too vigorously, and too frequently (without chances to totally rest in between sets). It's a very subtle movement. She gave me a personalized Kegel workout assignment, and also gave me tips to prevent constipation and incontinence, toileting positions to lessen strain, and advice on lifting mindfully. A lot of this information I already knew from this fabulous thread! But it's still wonderful to be working with someone so calm and positive.

SkylarVT · 01-25-2008, 04:58 PM

So, I think I might belong here. I am 4 weeks PP and found a bulge while checking my stitches last week. I am having bladder issues now . . .towards the end of the day I feel like I have to pee all of the time, and my cervix feels too low. Does this sound like bladder and/or uterine prolapse? Should I see my OB sooner than my 6 week exam? Can anyone reassure me that this might just go away?

CKM5513 · 01-25-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkylarVT

So, I think I might belong here. I am 4 weeks PP and found a bulge while checking my stitches last week. I am having bladder issues now . . .towards the end of the day I feel like I have to pee all of the time, and my cervix feels too low. Does this sound like bladder and/or uterine prolapse? Should I see my OB sooner than my 6 week exam? Can anyone reassure me that this might just go away?

If there is a bulge it is most likely your bladder. It is called a cystocele. Far as your cervix, it might feel low due to just giving birth. But I'm guessing it is fine, but make sure your OB checks it. I found my bulge at 2 weeks PP and went to my OB right away. It is never to early to start healing. Are you nursing? If you are nursing, (which I am), your healing will not be as fast and might not take place until you wean. When you nurse you loose estrogen (or your body doesn't make much), which your pelvic muscles need to stay strong. My son was born 11/25 so we are right there together! Mine has improved since I found mine. At first I could not tolerate to walk, now I can. And most days can't fell it much. Mentally it still bothers me and I am always looking/feeling it...which I hope at some point will pass.

There is a chance it will ge better, too early to tell. After you see your OB - it is a good idea to see a urogynocologist that specializes in the pelvic floor. My appt. is this Thursday with mine and I will fill you in after I go. Are you having any leakage of urine?

I also posted info about the kegelmaster above on this page. Please read it, as I attribute a lot of my healing already to this product. I hope that once I wean, things will snap back into place, due to my strong muscles from the kegalmaster. Otherwise for me surgery is still a option. Not a choice I want to make, and too early to make it now, but one I will consider. But I'd rather go natural at this moment, I don't want to take away my ability to "choose" if I want another pregnancy or not (even though I think we are done - daughter is 2 and son is 9 weeks. But I want to be able to make that decision on my own).

Take care - take it day by day. There are options and you are in control of your choices - but don't sit around and wait for it to get better!

Staceyy · 01-25-2008, 06:47 PM

I had a prolapsed urethra when I was a child, about 7 years old. I was operated on for the condition and never had any more problems.

Kiddoson · 01-25-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CKM5513

Mentally it still bothers me and I am always looking/feeling it...which I hope at some point will pass.

I am 5 1/2 months pp. I was the same way, now I am not so yes it will pass

CKM5513 · 01-25-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiddoson

I am 5 1/2 months pp. I was the same way, now I am not so yes it will pass

Hi there!

In the 5 1/2 months have you had any improvement? I take it you are nursing? Is your prolapse a cystocele?

I can't wait for the day that I don't spend most of it thinking about my bladder, and feeling sorry for myself...which isn't healthy! It is hard not to think how much happier I would be if this had not of happened. But it is what it is, and I must deal with it and try to stay positive!

Nicole R. · 01-25-2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mommyshine

I don't know what is going on... Does anyone experience pain in the perineum? A complaint I have had since - forever! And Dr always said things looked normal. I AM on the path to recovery!!! I AM healing!!! But.... I AM sooo angry at the Dr who cut me. How do we get past this? I scooted my son on a chair closer to the counter two days ago and when I did it - I hurt. Then I vacuumed the house and had a mini breakdown screaming to myself under the noise of the vacuum that I can't move the #&(^%@ chairs to freaking vacuum my %$^*$ house! ?!?!?? An episiotomy did this to me - a DR did this to me!?!? Is this missed placed anger - is it all natural failure of my body like I have heard? "You've had two kids" "Some woman have weak pelvic floors" (note: my mother birthed three kids in four years in her late thirties and is FINE - she wasn't cut! Sister had two and is FINE - she wasn't cut! Grandma used to walk home from the grocery sotre carrying bags in each hand - she had home births.) I have $1,000 worth of back packing and camping gear in the attic - I dream of taking the kids ... I cry and cry because I can't move a stupid chair to clean my house. Other crazy thoughts I have - what about celebrities? Do you think Madonna would stand for having her pelvic floor ruined? I know that is a stupid thing to think of. I feel like wearing a T-shirt that says, "An Episiotomy RUINED my LIFE."

Thanks for letting me get it out.

I'm so sorry.

I wonder if there might be more than one thing going on with you with the perineal pain, as well as with several others asking about hip and back pain. I hadn't heard that those symptoms -- and they sound terrible! -- are associated with pelvic organ prolapse. There are a lot of ways to be injured postpartum, when all joints and ligaments are soft and lax. And certainly incorrectly done stitches, whether from a tear or a cut, can be devastating.

I didn't have an episiotomy, and after a single natural birth with a 30-minute pushing stage I have all three of my pelvic organs prolapsed to some degree! Life's a mysterious b!tch sometimes. At least I don't have any pain or debilitating symptoms -- yet. We'll see what happens after another baby ...

Nicole R. · 01-25-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkylarVT

So, I think I might belong here. I am 4 weeks PP and found a bulge while checking my stitches last week. I am having bladder issues now . . .towards the end of the day I feel like I have to pee all of the time, and my cervix feels too low. Does this sound like bladder and/or uterine prolapse? Should I see my OB sooner than my 6 week exam? Can anyone reassure me that this might just go away?

It does sound prolapsey, but I think it's too soon for you to worry! There's an excellent chance that things will lift back up on their own. Be really careful so you can heal properly -- don't strain or bear down, don't get constipated, contract your pelvic floor when you lift anything heavy, and read through the other advice on this thread. There's recommendations for books and other Web sites.

I don't think you need to schedule an earlier exam -- it will take more than six weeks to heal anyway. But do make sure that your OB examines you in a STANDING position to fully diagnose any possible prolapses. I didn't do that, and it was TWO YEARS postpartum before I finally got my diagnoses.

I suspected I had a bladder prolapse right after giving birth -- I could see this pink bulgy thing when I stood and examined myself with a mirror -- but I guess I was in denial because I never insisted that my OB take my concerns seriously. It wasn't until I began checking my cervical position in preparation for conceiving #2 that I had to face the fact that I had a uterine prolapse as well. I could have had those two years to make my pelvic floor strong, and to prevent further damage.

I don't know why my prolapses never got better, but most people's do. Yours probably will, since you're already asking about them!

mamato3cherubs · 01-26-2008, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanibani

Lisa, was there any hint of prolapse (heaviness) with after/during the first 2 pregnancies?

Nope. none. All of my pregnancies were healthy, full term, and natural delivery. first was 6lbs 8 oz, 2nd was 7lbs 15 oz, and third, 9lbs 5 oz. She was my only late baby, not even late but 8 days passed edd, and my only difficult delivery. I never had one hint of trouble after my first 2.
I started noticing it a few months after her delivery, wasnt really aware of what the problem was til some time later. I lived in constant pain, and with the other problems I was having, during my long terrible periods, the pain was near unbearable. I couldnt function on a normal level at all.